CA magazine: September 2023
By Sarah Speirs, ICAS Executive Director of Member Engagement and Communication
24 August 2023
Are you prepared for Making Tax Digital and how do you feel about integrating new technology into your working practices?
Following our recent Digital Practice Conference, September’s special report looks at advances in technology through the eyes of a CA. Explore ways you can adapt to and benefit from adopting tech to decide whether it’s a friend or foe.
Our main story for this issue focuses on technology, and features chartered accountant, author and entrepreneur Carl Reader, who provides seven tips on how to make tech work for you. He explains why soft skills and human interaction are going to become more important for CAs whether working in practice or industry. He also stresses the importance of building strong networks.
When you become a CA you become a member of a global network. Initially many of those newly qualified CAs will, understandably, want to focus on developing their careers. But in order to do so, and to widen your knowledge and learn from CAs across other sectors, you can volunteer to join an ICAS committee, board or panel. Such active involvement also offers the chance to influence ICAS policy and shape the future of the profession. There is something for everyone in terms of the scope and breadth of our boards, but the real strength of any group is being able to share ideas and new ways of thinking.
ICAS is also on the lookout to increase our assessment markers, moderators, external examiners, learning material writers and technical reviewers in the 13 technical subjects covered in the CA qualification syllabus. You can find out more here.
This month is always an exciting time for ICAS as we welcome our new intake of students. This summer they have been familiarising themselves with our new platform and logbooks as part of our digital-first strategy. Some of those students will come through the ICAS Foundation programme. The foundation works hard to support would-be CAs from disadvantaged backgrounds access a career in the profession. Read about its new strategy and how you can join the CEO, Bruce Cartwright CA, and Deputy President, Alison Cornwell CA, to become a member of the Foundation 25 fundraising drive.
I hope you enjoy the issue.
For more resources, visit our technology hub